If you’re trying to work out how much to spend on marketing in 2025, let me make it easier. I’m telling you this as someone who helps businesses every day. The biggest mistake I see? People are jumping into seo packages without knowing what’s included or what results to expect.
I know this because I’ve reviewed dozens of proposals that looked great on paper but delivered very little. A smart investment starts with clarity.
Here’s the reality: SEO drives over 1,000% more traffic than organic social media.
Source: Jumpstart Magazine
That’s why getting your marketing strategy and spending right matters more than ever. That said, let’s walk through the real numbers and options to help you decide how much you should invest in marketing and SEO!
How Much Does a Marketing Agency Cost in 2025?
If you’re planning to grow your business this year, you’ve probably asked the question: How much does it really cost to hire a marketing agency? Based on what I’ve seen, agency cost in 2025 depends on how much you want done and who you’re working with. Some businesses spend under $1,000 a month while others go beyond $10,000, especially when they add SEO, ads and content into the mix.
But it’s not just the spend that matters. It’s what’s being done for that amount. Some agencies charge more because they work with big brands. Others keep things affordable for small businesses. The difference often comes down to focus, systems and follow-through.
Let’s look at the typical monthly costs based on different services you might be outsourcing.
SEO Services
Most businesses spend between $750 and $3,500/month on SEO, depending on the agency and how competitive the keywords are. Some seo packages cost more because they include content, backlinks and technical work. If you’re working with a local seo agency, it may be closer to the lower end. Bigger campaigns, like national or ecommerce marketing firm projects, push the budget higher.
PPC Advertising
If you’re investing in Google Ads or Meta Ads, monthly costs often start from $1,000 to $5,000 in ad spend plus 10–20% management fees. These fees can go higher if you need landing pages or regular testing. Some advertising agencies in Melbourne include ad spend in their quotes, while others separate it. Ask upfront.
Social Media Management
Expect to pay $500 to $2,000/month if an agency handles your content, scheduling and community management. More if you want paid promotions or video content. Some marketing companies in Melbourne Australia bundle social with other services which can keep your overall cost lower.
Content Marketing
Blogs, videos, graphics and lead magnets don’t come cheap. Content marketing packages can start around $1,500/month and scale up to $10,000+, depending on volume. Quality writing, video editing and promotion take time and the right skills, which is why this service tends to cost more than people expect.
SEO Packages and What They Include
If you’re comparing SEO packages, the first thing to look at is what’s actually included. I’ve seen too many businesses pay for monthly plans that sound good on paper but lack real work behind them. Whether you’re working with a small seo agency or a large provider, the value is in the details.
Some SEO packages are just dashboards and vague reports. Others include real improvements that grow rankings and traffic. Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect when comparing seo packages and pricing in 2025.
On-Page SEO
This covers everything done directly on your pages: title tags, meta descriptions, headers and internal links. A good agency will also update your content so it’s aligned with how people search in your area.
Off-Page SEO
Link building still matters. A quality package will include backlink outreach, local citations or even digital PR. Be cautious of anyone who won’t explain where their links come from.
Technical SEO
Speed fixes, mobile improvements, sitemap setup and index errors, these are often left out of budget plans but make a huge difference. The best SEO packages handle technical clean-ups early on.
Reporting and Tracking
You should be getting monthly reports showing rankings, traffic and actions taken. Not just numbers, but insight. If an agency won’t tell you what they actually did, that’s a red flag.
SEO Packages and Pricing Models
If you’ve looked at more than one SEO quote, you’ve probably noticed they all price things differently. I’ve reviewed pricing from dozens of agencies and trust me, the structure matters just as much as the number. The way your SEO packages are billed often gives you a clue about the work being done or not done. Here’s how most SEO packages in Australia are priced in 2025:
Monthly Retainer
The most common model. You pay a fixed amount every month for ongoing work. This could include on-page optimisation, content updates, backlinks and reporting. SEO package prices range from $750 to $3,500 a month, depending on goals, business type and the agency cost involved.
Hourly Billing
Some consultants or solo operators charge by the hour, usually between $100 to $250. It’s flexible, but harder to predict total spend. This is common when hiring a local SEO agency for short-term help or audits.
Per Project
A flat fee for a set scope is often used for one-off work like an SEO audit, a technical fix or a local SEO setup. Great if you just want to fix something specific without ongoing costs.
Performance-Based
You only pay when certain outcomes are hit, like a ranking increase or leads generated. It sounds great, but these models often come with longer lock-in periods or minimum fees.
Tiered SEO Packages
Many agencies offer levels and they are: basic, standard and advanced. The best ones will let you mix and match depending on your business. Good if you’re after customisation without the complexity.
Factors That Influence Marketing and SEO Costs
If you’ve ever received two quotes that look completely different for the same job, you’re not alone. I’ve seen seo packages priced anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars and often, both are justified depending on the business. That’s why understanding what drives cost can save you from overpaying or under-investing.
Business Goals and Size
A local tradesperson doesn’t need the same strategy as a national brand. Smaller businesses may only need local seo packages, which cost less and are faster to implement. Larger businesses with multiple locations or products will need more time, content and authority building.
Industry Competition
If you’re in a competitive field like law or finance, your strategy will take more to compete. More content, more links, more structure and that means more cost.
Agency Experience
An experienced marketing company Melbourne will charge more, but they’ll likely deliver better results faster. If you’re comparing the cost of agency services, ask for examples and timelines and not just pricing.
Custom Add-ons
Need content? Landing pages? Blog posts? Video? Many SEO packages don’t include content creation by default. If your campaign needs these extras, make sure they’re included and quoted properly.
Geographic Focus
Are you targeting a single suburb or the whole country? Pricing will change based on reach and search volume. A local SEO agency charges less than one running a national campaign for an eCommerce brand.
SEO Agency Cost Comparison: What Different Firms Charge
There’s a big gap between what small and large firms charge for the same service. I’m telling you this because I’ve worked with both solo operators charging under $1,000 and big-name agencies quoting $10,000 for the same job. Understanding this gap is key to getting value without overpaying.
Pricing Differences Between Small and Large Agencies
Freelancers and small teams often charge less, from $500 to $2,000/month for SEO, depending on scope. They’re ideal for local work or if you’re just starting out.
- Medium agencies with 5–15 staff typically offer structured seo packages from $1,500 to $4,000/month. You’ll get more resources and reporting.
- Larger agencies may charge upwards of $5,000/month. You’re paying for depth, strategy and support, but are often locked into longer contracts.
- Whether you’re speaking to a boutique firm or one of the big marketing agencies near me, always ask how much actual time is being spent on your campaign.
Examples from Marketing Companies in Melbourne
- A solo SEO consultant in the suburbs might offer basic local seo packages for $750/month, including monthly reporting and some link building.
- Some well-known marketing companies in Melbourne, Australia quote $3,500/month for SEO and content, great if you’re in a competitive industry and need strong deliverables.
- I’ve seen advertising agencies in Melbourne offer bundled services (SEO, Google Ads, content) starting at $5,000/month. This suits businesses needing everything done in-house.
The takeaway? Pricing varies widely, but the best value comes when the work matches the goals. You don’t need the biggest agency. You need the right one for your size and market.
How to Choose the Right SEO or Marketing Agency
Choosing an agency isn’t just about who shows up first on Google. I’m telling you this as someone who’s seen businesses lose months chasing empty promises. Whether you’re comparing SEO packages or full digital services, asking the right questions early will save you money and stress.
What to Ask Before Hiring
- What’s included in your monthly work?
- Do you create content, or will I need to supply it?
- How do you track results and how often do you report?
- Have you worked with businesses like mine before?
Even a well-known SEO agency should be able to answer these clearly. If they avoid specifics or use buzzwords without substance, keep looking.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Promises of “guaranteed” rankings
- Lock-in contracts without a clear exit
- No explanation of what’s being done each month
- One-size-fits-all packages with no flexibility
A good marketing company in Melbourne will keep things transparent and focused on your goals and not theirs.
Getting Value Without Overpaying
Value doesn’t always mean paying more. It means paying for what moves the needle. That might be a lean SEO package focused on local search, or a full web design agency bundle that includes speed, mobile-friendliness and content updates.
The goal is simple: get enough done to grow traffic and leads without wasting time or cash. And if you’re unsure, start with a short-term contract or a project-based package. Results speak louder than pitch decks.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEO Packages
Do I need to sign a long-term contract for SEO?
Not always. Many agencies offer flexible options, especially if you’re starting with basic seo packages. If you’re confident in the agency, a longer contract can secure better pricing, but avoid anything over 12 months unless performance milestones are part of the deal.
How soon should I expect to see results from SEO?
Most businesses begin seeing early traction in 3 to 4 months, with stronger results after 6 months. A reliable SEO agency will track progress regularly and explain what’s working and what’s not.
Can a marketing agency help with paid ads and SEO together?
Yes. Many advertising services combine SEO and PPC into hybrid plans, which can be more cost-effective. If you’re comparing agencies, ask if they bundle SEO with paid campaigns to save on strategy overlap.
Get the Best SEO Packages With PrintVideoWeb
When you’re running a business, every dollar has to work. Marketing is no different. The real challenge is spending on the right things with the right people. That’s where most businesses lose time and momentum.
If you’re ready to invest in growth but don’t want to waste money on bloated retainers or vague promises, you need a team that knows what gets results and what just drains your budget. One such team is PrintVideoWeb, we offer SEO Packages that are built for performance, not fluff. Whether you need a focused local strategy or a scalable plan for national growth, we’ll break it down, keep it simple and do the work that actually moves your business forward.
